Leadership Academy: Week 1

Week 1: KNOWLEDGE ACCESS & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Aurora Regional Chamber’s Leadership Academy kicked off at the Aurora Public Library’s central branch, Santori Library. In addition to the Santori Library, the Aurora Public Library has two additional branch locations, as well as a bookmobile program. Aurora Public Library boasts a total service population of 200,000 people. The Leadership Academy learning outcomes from the first week were a blend of two different psychological studies about leadership styles and traits.

Participants dove deeper into Jim Collins’ Leadership Hierarchy and Dr. Douglas McGregor’s “Theory X” and “Theory Y”. At the end of the session, participants engaged in a survey measuring which management approach they naturally follow.

My key takeaway from this session was being able to recognize management behavior and its effect on the status of employees and their output. We discovered that a blend of each theory can produce an ideal management approach. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the building, as it is filled with art and whimsical touches throughout the modern, welcoming environment.

About the Author

My name is Emily Rollins and I am the Community Outreach Coordinator at Waubonsee Community College. My role at the college is to build new partnerships, while strengthening existing ones, with local businesses and organizations that offer educational opportunities and help local communities that our college serves.